I don't think so. For combat use, the drones would have to fly low and have a range of at least a few dozen miles to be a reasonable offensive weapon. If the "

I don't think so. For combat use, the drones would have to fly low and have a range of at least a few dozen miles to be a reasonable offensive weapon. If the "commander" plane is going to rely on satellite links, they might as well be sitting on the ground. The "commander" plane needs extensive defenses as well; pretty much similar to how AWACS aircraft are protected.